Commission to discuss Ward 5 seat

Shawnee city commissioners may take action Monday night regarding the Ward 5 commission seat currently held by John Winterringer.

Winterringer confirmed to the Shawnee News-Star recently that he is currently staying at his parents’ home to assist them. His parents reside in Ward 1. He added that he leased his house to a family for the school year.

“This is temporary,” he said.

According to the city’s charter, if a commissioner’s residence changes to be outside of his or her ward, he or she will no longer be on the commission and the remaining commissioners will convene and decide who will fill the empty seat.

Ward 4 City Commissioner Keith Hall recently requested the matter be added to the next commission meeting agenda, after City Attorney Mary Ann Karns emailed commissioners to inform them of the situation and of their options.

Karns has explained in the emails the matter depends on the definition of residence. The commission will have to decide whether or not Winterringer’s residence changed.

The agenda Monday night calls for discussion, consideration and possible action on the commission seat held by Winterringer.

Several Traffic Commission and staff recommendations are among items on the Consent agenda for city commissioners to review. In two of those both the staff and Traffic Commission are recommending denial of the request while they both recommend approval of a third.

A rezoning request is also on the agenda.

The meeting, open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers of city hall.